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Australia's leading female tennis athlete has opted to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to significant “emotional and mental strain.”

Further contributors included the persistent struggle of being separated from her loved ones and the relentless circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the results, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a shift, my brain, my feelings and my body.”

She decided to change citizenship after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had concluded the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is now ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete stated she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

She is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA requires leading players to compete in a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just consider what's healthy for us.”